Latif resigns as Afghanistan's coach

Decision taken after 3-0 loss to Pakistan 'A', says former Pakistan captain.

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif stepped down as Afghanistan coach after his team's 3-0 routing at the hands of a second-tier Pakistani team.

"I resigned soon after Afghanistan's defeat against Pakistan 'A' last month which was accepted on Monday," said Latif. "I felt if Afghanistan are not improving despite my full efforts then it's no use sticking around."

The 42-year-old former wicket-keeper took over as coach last July after his Pakistani predecessor Kabir Khan developed differences with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

During his coaching stint, Afghanistan beat Pakistan in the semi-final of the Asian Games last year before losing to Bangladesh to finish with a silver medal. That followed their triumph in the Inter-Continental Cup, a first-class tournament for Associate members of the International Cricket Council.

Despite his resignation, Latif said he is delighted to have coached Afghanistan.

"I thoroughly enjoyed coaching Afghan players who are very passionate but it's against my rules to stick if the job is not done," said Latif, who denied press reports of a rift between him and the team.

Meanwhile, former coach Khan admitted that he was approached by the ACB for a possible return.

"I was approached by the Afghan officials for a coaching role," Khan told The Express Tribune. "But I'm not sure if I'll rejoin as I'm currently central contracted with the UAE team until October."

However, the ACB is also in talks with coaches from England to fill up the post left vacant by Latif.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2011.